EGYPT-The United Kingdom (UK) has delivered 3,900,000 doses of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to the Egyptian Health Ministry in commitment to ensuring equitable vaccine access to all.

The vaccine shipment donated by the UK arrived at Cairo International Airport through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) in cooperation with GAVI Alliance.

The COVAX initiative is trying to bridge the gap between the millions being vaccinated in some countries compared to many less in other parts of the world.

Although Egypt receives millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, millions of Egyptians remain without access to the vaccine due to governmental disorganization, nepotism and lack of awareness.

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Health, the slow progress shows a lack of public awareness and trust as health officials announced that even doctors were hesitant to take the vaccine.

Despite the government’s control and increasing influence over the media, almost no campaigns have reached out to the population to encourage them to enroll for vaccines.

Hence, leaving an enormous number of people unable to register online and receive messages on their mobile phones because they are unaware of its availability.

About 4 million doses of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine delivered to Egypt act as another turning point in British-Egypt partnerships.

Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister and Acting Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said that the vaccine donations were shipped within three batches on Thursday and Friday to support the country in confronting the pandemic.

“The shipment will be tested at the Egyptian Drug Authority laboratories before distribution to vaccination centers across the country,” assured the acting health minister.

Tourism sector employees urged to take booster dose

With the arrival of new vaccines, Minister Khaled has urged all tourism sector employees to take the third booster dose of Covid-19 vaccines within the upcoming period.

At the same time, the minister followed up on the rates of messages sent for those who have received two doses of vaccines and have passed a six-month period.

Previously, the acting health minister attended a period meeting with health ministers’ aides and health directorates officials to follow up on the vaccination process as well as making sure of the availability of vaccine doses nationwide.

 

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our regular email newsletters, focused on Africa and World’s healthcare industry, directly into your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE